Attic Nights of Aulus Gellius

more, in the commentaries of Labeo, which he composed on the Twelve Tables, it is written thus: A Vestal Virgin is neither an intestate heir to anyone, nor is anyone an intestate heir to her: but they say her goods are gathered into the public treasury. It is questioned by what law this is done. 19. She is called Amata during the taking by the Pontifex Maximus, since it is handed down that this was the name of the first one who was taken.

CHAPTER XIII.

1. In undertaking, assessing, and judging duties, which philosophers call in Greek kathēkonta appropriate actions/duties, it is usually asked whether, when a task has been given to you and exactly what you should do has been defined, you ought to do anything contrary to it if, by doing so, it appears the matter would turn out more prosperously, and be for the benefit of the one who mandated that task to you. 2. It is a doubtful question and has been argued by prudent men on both sides. 3. For there are not a few who have fixed their opinion on one side, and, with the matter once decided and deliberated, they have thought that one should by no means act against the command of him whose business and duty it was, even if some sudden event promised that the matter could be handled more advantageously; lest, if hope deceived them, the blame of impatience and an unpardonable penalty should have to be endured. 4. If by chance the matter had turned out better, thanks would indeed be owed to the gods, but a precedent would nevertheless seem to have been introduced by which well-considered plans would be corrupted by the violation of a mandate. 5. Others have thought that the inconveniences which were to be feared if the matter were conducted otherwise than commanded should be weighed against the gain of the hope: and if those were lighter and smaller, but the utility on the other hand appeared to be more serious and ample, and as firm as hope could make it, then they judged it possible to act against the mandates; lest, when a divinely offered chance for the matter to be managed well—